LAUSR

Abstract Nanocomposite-forming solutions of chitosan in acetic acid (CS·HOAc) or hydrochloric acid (CS·HCl) and containing nanodiamonds (NDs) were produced without ultrasound treatment, and CS·HCl–ND and CS·HOAc–ND nanocomposite films were prepared by solution casting. The NDs were uniformly distributed in the polymer matrix by stabilization of the dispersion with use of dilute CS·HOAc or CS·HCl solutions before mixing with the concentrated chitosan solutions. CS·HCl–ND and CS·HOAc–ND composite films were then prepared and characterized by the measurement of mechanical properties and by atomic force microscopy methods (topography, phase-contrast, and Kelvin probe force microscopy imaging). The differences in the structures and properties of the films produced on CS·HOAc and CS·HCl are discussed. A stronger interaction was found between phases in the CS·HCl–ND films than in the CS·HOAc–ND films.